Seffner Mother Accused of Child Neglect

Hillsborough deputies say she was passed out while her children roamed without supervision. The children are both younger than five.

SEFFNER – A mother has been accused of neglecting her children, who were found wandering unsupervised, while she was passed out at home, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

April Janine Lopez, 34, was charged with two counts of felony child neglect, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies said they received a call about 4:29 p.m. Wednesday (March 15) that two children younger than 5 years old were seen walking on Clewis Avenue. A witness told deputies that the two were not wearing underwear or pants and had no no adult supervision present.

Lopez, their mother, was found at their residence in her bed, passed out asleep. Deputies said they called Lopez by her name to wake her up, but she did not do so. Deputies said they then yelled for her to wake up and, after numerous times of yelling and flashing a light in her face, she woke up.

Deputies said they told her to get out of bed, but she shook her head “no.” They forced her out of bed and smelled alcohol on her breath. Lopez’ eyes were glassy, watery, and heavy and she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance. Lopez was unable to gain focus during the interview and she could not stand still, they said.

Later, she admitted drinking alcohol Tuesday (March 14) and smoking marijuana days before. Deputies said Lopez also admitted falling asleep while her children were in the residence with her.

During a court-authorized search warrant of the residence, deputies said they found a multicolored glass pipe next to the bed where she had been sleeping. The burnt leafy substance inside tested positive for marijuana.